Anglo-Saxon Archaeology Blog

Bejeweled Anglo-Saxon Burial Suggests Cult

David Beard — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 08:36:00 +0000

In seventh century England, a woman's jewelry-draped body was laid out on a specially constructed bed and buried in a grave that formed the center of an Anglo-Saxon cemetery, according to British archaeologists who recently excavated the site in Yorkshire.

Her jewelry, which included a large shield-shaped pendant, the layout and location of the cemetery as well as excavated weaponry, such as knives and a fine langseax (a single-edged Anglo-Saxon sword), lead the scientists to believe she might have been a member of royalty who led a pagan cult at a time when Christianity was just starting to take root in the region.

"I believe it is a cult because of the arrangement of graves, the short period of the cemetery's use and the bed burial and burial mound that is almost in the center of the very regular cemetery," archaeologist Stephen Sherlock, who directed the project, told Discovery News.

"The whole focus of the cemetery is based upon the bed burial -- it is our view that this was erected first and the other graves were dug around it," added Sherlock, who worked with the Teesside Archaeological Society, which recently published a report on the research.

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Experts bone up on grisly relics

David Beard — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:32:00 +0000

Archaeologists now believe a dozen skeletons discovered in a mass grave in the centre of Oxford may have belonged to executed criminals from Saxon times.

A team of three archaeologists have been digging in the quadrangle of St John's College in Blackhall Road, off St Giles, for nearly two weeks since the discovery was made.

The bones of 12 or 13 bodies have gradually been uncovered after a body part was discovered 80cm below ground level by diggers excavating the plot before a new quadrangle is built.

City archaeologists have labelled the find the most exciting in Oxford for nearly half a century, and predict more bodies could be found in the area.

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Archaeological work on an Anglo-Saxon settlement in East Anglia

David Beard — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:31:00 +0000

ARCHAEOLOGISTS have meticulously built up a picture of ancient settlements in an isolated location near Aldeburgh. Their work follows two digs during which they discovered evidence of life in the Anglo-Saxon period at Barber's Point, which is on the banks of the River Alde opposite Iken. The digs were carried out in 2004 and 2006 by up to 50 volunteers with the help of the county council's archaeological service. The Local History Initiative gave £25,000 towards the work which was commissioned by the Aldeburgh and District Local History Society.

Richard Newman, a founder member of the society, had a long-held ambition to dig at Barber's Point and he is delighted with the success of the project. “It has been a fascinating time and a lot of people have had a lot of fun, enjoyed a taste of archaeology and developed a greater understanding of what was going on in these parts,” he said. “When we started we thought we would just find a fairly humble Roman site, possibly linked to salt making of which there are a number of sites on the River Alde. But by the second session it became obvious that it was considerably more.”

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Archaeological finds set to go on display

David Beard — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 16:06:00 +0000

DONCASTER Museum is expected to stage an exhibition of the borough's recent major Viking or Saxon find in the next few months.

Doncaster Council expects the bones of the 35 people whose grave was found during site preparations for the construction of the new North Ridge Community School in Adwick to be returned when archaeologists finish working on them.

But it is unlikely all the bones will be put on public display at the Chequer Road venue and may be kept in storage by the authority.

Jane Miller, director of neighbourhoods, said: "The excavated material is currently undergoing conservation and analysis but it is hoped that an exhibition will be held in Doncaster to give local people the chance to look at some of the
se finds within the next few months."

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Bid to make St Bede's home a world attraction

David Beard — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:50:00 +0000

CREATED by Benedict Biscop in the 7th century, the joint monastic site of Jarrow and Wearmouth is one of the greatest treasures from the Golden Age of Northumbria.

The visit of leading heritage experts to the site yesterday underlined the importance of the World Heritage Site bid.

A local authorities World Heritage Forum was staged, bringing together local authority elected members and officials from across the country who are closely involved in World Heritage Sites.

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Reburial for Anglo Saxon remains

David Beard — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 11:07:00 +0000

About 3,000 skeletons are to be reburied in an Anglo-Saxon ceremony at a North Lincolnshire church where they were discovered almost 30 years ago.

The ancient language will be used by the Reverend David Rowett at St Peters Church in Barton-upon-Humber to mark the return of the historic bones.

Unearthed between 1978 and 1984, the bones have been used by English Heritage to research diseases.

They are one of the largest collections found on a single site in England.

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Anglo-Saxon graves found at Peterborough Cathedral

David Beard — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 09:14:00 +0000

EIGHT Anglo-Saxon grave markers belonging to ordinary folk have been uncovered in Peterborough Cathedral's grounds during restoration work. Workers at the site, who are repairing ancient stone walls in the precincts, alerted the cathedral's archaeologist to the find, which was discovered in the same wall as a medieval fireplace.

Archaeologist Dr Jackie Hall analysed the pieces, and discovered they were 11th century grave markings which are believed to have come from a monks' cemetery. Dr Hall said: "It was an incredible find, and very exciting to see such a large collection of grave markers in one small area. They are particularly important because we don't have anything else like this in Peterborough. There are other grave markers of a similar date in the cathedral, but they are ornate and not visible to the public. Although these pieces are not as high class or as special, they are still an extraordinary find."

The markings could have belonged to monks, but are more likely to have belonged townsfolk who wanted to be commemorated at the abbey. Although some were not immediately recognised as they have been damaged, some can be seen with crosses on them and others are slightly more ornate with gridded markers.

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BONES DISCOVERY MAY PROMPT FULL-SCALE DIG

David Beard — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 16:12:00 +0000

A Full excavation for Anglo-Saxon remains and other historical items could be carried out at a building site where human bones were found.

Investigations are continuing after the remains, including a skull, arm and collar bone, were unearthed by contractors working at Derby's Cathedral Green on Thursday.

Derby City Council says the site may now have to be closed for a full examination, depending on when the body dates back to. A police pathologist is still examining the body to discover its how long it had been there and its identity.

Maxwell Craven, historian and member of Derby Civic Society, said a full search would be needed if the bones were from Anglo-Saxon times or older.

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EARLY BURIAL GROUND DISCOVERED BY ARCHAEOLOGISTS IN DONCASTER

David Beard — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 17:00:00 +0000

Archaeologists have discovered a cemetery dating back 1,500 years at the site of a new school near Doncaster.

The exciting find, which consists of 35 burials, was made by a team from the Archaeological Research and Consultancy at the University of Sheffield (ARCUS) prior to the construction of the new North Ridge Special School in Adwick le Street.

“It is not every day that we find something as interesting as this,” said Richard O’Neill, ARCUS Project Manager. “Builders often ask us ‘have you found any old bones?’ This time we can say ‘Yes!’”

Investigations have shown that the remains date from between the 5th and 9th centuries, when the area was occupied by Saxons and Vikings. The burials are thought to be pre-Christian because of their south-west to north-east orientation.

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WAS ARTHUR PART OF BRIGG ROUND TABLE?

David Beard — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 14:47:00 +0000

Could King Arthur, the legendary leader of the Britons in the sixth century, have set up camp with his Knights of the Round Table in Brigg?

This fascinating question has been raised in a newly-published booked called the The Anglo Saxon Kingdom of Lindsey.Author Dr Kevin Leahy has staked North Lincolnshire's claim to a share in the Arthurian legend after spending 30 years researching his book.

Broughton-based Dr Leahy (61) said: "Following the withdrawal of the Romans in the early fourth century, Lindsey was a nation in its own right with its own kings and bishops.

"Excavations and metal detecting have shown how rich and exciting the kingdom was.

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Builders dig up 35 skeletons

David Beard — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:03:00 +0000

BUILDERS working on the site of a new school have stumbled across what could be one of the most historic finds ever unearthed in Doncaster.

Archaeologists have confirmed that an ancient burial site containing 35 graves could date back to the days when the area was occupied by Saxons then Vikings.

The exciting find comes seven years after the discovery of the grave of a Viking woman who tests showed had travelled to Doncaster from Norway as an immigrant, proving for the first time that Vikings had settled in the area.

The latest discovery, in the grounds of North Doncaster Technology College in Adwick le Street, is believed to be the only one of its kind in South Yorkshire and is attracting interests from archaeologists across the region.

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TREASURE LINK THEORY

David Beard — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 11:55:00 +0000

Treasures unearthed from a giant Anglo-Saxon burial ground in the North East of England could have originated in Lincolnshire.

Archaeologists have spent two years excavating a site at Loftus, near Middlesbrough, which is now thought to be a 'nationally significant' royal cemetery dating back to the 7th century.

Among the jewellery, pottery and weapons discovered were two silver coins which would have been worn as pendants.

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Anglo-Saxon treasures will stay in region - vow

David Beard — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 10:35:00 +0000

STUNNING Anglo-Saxon jewellery discovered on a North-East farm will not be lost to the British Museum, in London, it was pledged yesterday.

The Government quashed fears of a battle to display the Loftus Saxon treasures to parallel the bitter row over the Lindisfarne Gospels.

Instead, Culture Minister Margaret Hodge vowed that the collection, found at a burial site uncovered last year near Loftus, east Cleveland, would go on show in a North-East museum.

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MP in plea over ancient treasure

David Beard — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:18:00 +0000

Rare Anglo-Saxon treasures discovered in a Teesside field will almost certainly be allowed to remain in the area, the government has said.

Gold jewellery, weapons and clothing were found at a 109-grave cemetery, near Redcar, believed to date from the middle of the 7th Century.

Excavations were carried out after freelance archaeologist Steve Sherlock studied an aerial photo of the land.

Culture Minister Margaret Hodge said the find would not end up in London.

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Archaeologists unearth ancient pits

David Beard — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 10:22:00 +0000

ARCHAEOLOGISTS preparing the ground for a new building at an Anglo-Saxon village have discovered the remains of three pits dating back 1,500 years.

The unexpected find, at the site in West Stow, near Bury St Edmunds, was made during preparation work for a new timber construction that will be home to heritage displays and study facilities when it opens in the summer.

It is now hoped that a mysterious black substance in the pits will help answer age-old questions about their purpose, and give a better understanding of Anglo-Saxon life.

“The process of revealing West Stow's Anglo Saxon past is fascinating,” said Alan Baxter, heritages services manager at St Edmundsbury Borough Council, which owns the site.

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Archaeologists unearths buried treasure

David Beard — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 10:21:00 +0000

A FREELANCE archaeologist has unearthed one of the most dramatic finds of Anglo Saxon materials within an ancient burial ground in the North-East.

The Royal Anglo-Saxon cemetery - with some of the finest gold jewellery to be found in Britain - has been discovered on land in Loftus, east Cleveland.

The 109-grave cemetery is arranged in a rectangular pattern and dates from the middle of the 7th Century.

The cemetery, bed burial and high status objects are considered to all indicate the people buried must have connections with Anglo-Saxon royalty.

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Royal burial ground unearthed

David Beard — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 10:20:00 +0000

A royal Anglo-Saxon burial ground and some of the finest gold jewellery ever unearthed in the country has been discovered by a freelance archaeologist.

The 109-grave cemetery is arranged in a rectangular pattern and dates from the middle of the 7th Century.

The cemetery, bed burial and high status objects are considered to all indicate the people buried must have connections with Anglo-Saxon royalty.

Traditionally, Anglo Saxon royalty were always buried in the south of England and it is thought the royals buried at the Cleveland site could be linked to the Kentish Princess Ethelburga who travelled north to marry Edwin, King of Northumbria.

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'Dramatic' ancient cemetery found

David Beard — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 10:19:00 +0000

A freelance archaeologist has uncovered what is thought to be the only known Anglo-Saxon royal burial site in the north of England.

Spectacular gold jewellery, weapons and clothing were found at the 109-grave cemetery, believed to date from the middle of the 7th Century.

Excavations were carried out after Steve Sherlock studied an aerial photo of the land near Redcar, Teesside.

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English were dedicated followers of French fashion 1,400 years ago

David Beard — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 10:17:00 +0000

The British, it seems, have assiduously followed European fashion trends for years. It now turns out that it may have been for centuries.

Stylish Anglo-Saxon women, for example, wore front-fastening coats clasped with brooches that were common on the Continent at the time and would not be completely out of place on the catwalks of Paris today.

Penelope Walton Rogers is an archaeologist who has undertaken a significant study of Anglo-Saxon graves and settlements and come up with some surprising findings.

Evidence pieced together from more than 1,700 graves shows that followers of fashion in the middle of the 6th century wore outfits typical of northern France and territories west of the Rhine.

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English were dedicated followers of French fashion 1,400 years ago

David Beard — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 10:17:00 +0000

Cathedral's Anglo-Saxon angel aired

David Beard — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 10:16:00 +0000

THE 1,300-year-old carved figure of an Anglo-Saxon angel unearthed during excavations at Lichfield Cathedral was yesterday unveiled.

The 63cm-high stone sculpture, dubbed the Lichfield Angel, was discovered by archaeologists beneath the nave in the remains of an Anglo-Saxon church built to house the grave of St Chad, the first Bishop of Lichfield.

The exact location of this building had remained a mystery until it was unearthed during this most recent dig.

Archaeologists were asked to excavate the nave ahead of the installation of a motorised platform to replace portable staging used for concerts.

Experts believe the Lichfield Angel formed part of the original shrine of St Chad, which was built around AD700, and was part of a panel believed to depict the Angel Gabriel greeting the Virgin Mary with news she was to have a son.

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Anglo-Saxon gold coin leaves British Museum out of pocket

David Beard — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 10:15:00 +0000

A gold coin lost 1,200 years ago on a river bank in Bedfordshire became the most expensive British coin when it was bought by the British Museum for £357,832 yesterday.

A little smaller than a pound coin in diameter and much thinner, the glittering mancus, the value of 30 days' wages for a skilled Anglo-Saxon worker, now ranks among the museum's most valuable artefacts.

Experts described the coin as "the find of the last 100 years".

But the museum is angry at the size of its outlay, claiming that it should have been able to acquire it for two thirds of the price, and has called for reforms to art export laws.

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Anglo-Saxon finds in church work

David Beard — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 10:14:00 +0000

An ancient church in East Sussex has been found to be 100 years older than was thought after restoration work uncovered hidden windows and paintings.

The original construction of St Andrew's Church, at Bishopstone, near Seaford, is now being dated back as far as the late 7th Century.

A four-year project costing £115,000 gave the church its first major restoration since the 1840s.

Anglo-Saxon finds were made when old plaster was removed from the walls.

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EXPERTS FIND RARE ROMANI DNA IN NORWICH ANGLO SAXON SKELETON

David Beard — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 10:13:00 +0000

Experts from Norfolk Archaeology Unit based at Norwich Castle have discovered a rare form of mitochondrial DNA identified as Romani in a skeleton discovered during excavations in a large area of Norwich for the expansion of the castle mall.

The DNA was found in an 11th century young adult male skeleton, and with the first recorded arrival of the Romani gene in this country put at 500 years later, historians may need to re-think the ethnic mix of the city's early population.

Norfolk Archaeological Unit’s lead archaeologist on the dig was Brian Ayres. He told the 24 Hour Museum: “The bones were of a late Saxon Christian. We know this because it was found in a graveyard associated with the church.”

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'Apartheid' slashed Celtic genes in early England

David Beard — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 10:12:00 +0000

A system of racial segregation imposed by early Anglo-Saxon invaders in England may have massively boosted the breeding of the Germanic interlopers, much to the detriment of the native Celtic race, researchers claim in a new study.

Genetic analysis of men in modern-day central England shows that more than half of them possess a Y-chromosome that can be traced to a Germanic region – what is now Germany, Holland and Denmark.

Historians argue that fewer than 200,000 Anglo-Saxons invaded the population of about 2 million Celtic Britons during the 5th century. All things being equal, this number should account for just 10% of the gene pool being Anglo-Saxon.

In an attempt to explain this anomaly, Mark Thomas at University College London, UK, and colleagues came up with a theory that an apartheid social structure benefited the people - and therefore the genes - of the Anglo-Saxon race at the expense of the native Celtic genes.

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